Bayern fight for draw in Aberdeen

DPA Aberdeen, (Scotland), Feb 15 (DPA) German League leaders Bayern Munich twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with Scottish side Aberdeen in the first leg of the first knock-out round of football UEFA Cup Thursday. Goals from Miroslav Klose and Hamit Altintop put Bayern into a strong position for the return leg of the Round of 32 encounter in Munich next week.

However the four-time European champions were made to fight all the way by a spirited Aberdeen side depleted by injuries.

Aberdeen were hoping to repeat a quarter-final victory over the Bundesliga leaders 25 years ago on their way to lifting the Cup Winners’ Cup.

They took a surprise lead in the 24th minute when Josh Walker rifled in a shot from more than 20 metres.

Bayern had already missed chances, but Klose made no mistake with a shot on the turn into the roof of the net five minutes later.

The visitors continued to look dangerous but it was Aberdeen who went back in front when Sone Aluko left Michael Rensing - in goal for the flu-ridden Oliver Kahn - with a low shot from inside the area three minutes before half-time.

Bayern again levelled after a Ze Roberto cross-struck Alan Maybury on the arm and Spanish referee Eduardo Iturralde Gonzalez awarded a penalty.

Altintop’s 54th-minute penalty shot was parried by Jamie Langfield but the Turkey international followed up to make sure from the rebound. DPA